“What was your intent with this sparring of yours? To entice them? To entice me?” At his accusation, a hot flush of mortification floods my body, for I was not trying to entice anyone. I reach out and shove him— hard— surprised when he gives way. “If that is the case, then it is their fault and not mine. I wished only to keep my own skills honed.” I follow up with another shove, which he again allows. “Simply because your thoughts are base does not mean I must accept the taint you would lay at my feet.” And then, realizing he is no longer as guarded as he was, I sweep my leg wide, knocking his out from under him, satisfied when he lands flat on his back in the dirt.”